Weekend Guide to Papua New Guinea: Things to Do in Port Moresby
Off to the culturally and biologically diverse; Papua New Guinea? Well, it’s not dull or dangerous as some people say. It’s quite interesting as there are many activities to do; from diving to see marine life to active volcanoes. This Weekend Guide to Papua New Guinea will help you understand the best of the country within three days, especially on a Weekend!
Before coming, make sure to know if you can avail of a Visa on Arrival. If not, you can quickly get an e-Visa online through their official website. The visa may be USD 50 or 100 depending on your stay and nationality. You won’t regret coming to this beautiful country in Oceania. For Filipinos, we can get visa-on-arrival to PNG.
Table of Contents
3 Day Weekend Guide to Papua New Guinea
Day 1: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Itinerary
Morning
- Koki Fish Market
- Ela Beach
- Tabari Craft Market
- National Parliament Haus
- Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery
- Bomana War Cemetery
- Adventure Park
Enjoy the capital of Papua New Guinea; Port Moresby. You can start your day one of the leading seafood markets in the country; Koki Fish Market.
After that, you can proceed to Ela Beach. If you are not off for a swim in the public beach, you can talk to locals or see the craft market just nearby (for souvenirs and outfits).
Off you go to the Parliament Haus of Papua New Guinea. If you’re lucky enough, you can score a tour inside this respected building. If not, well, might as well enjoy the view and the carvings. You can walk towards the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery to learn more about the history of PNG. Then you are off to a ride to the Bomana War Cemetery, the biggest cemetery in the Pacific with graves of soldiers from World War 2.
Afternoon
- Adventure’s Park
- National Orchid Garden
- Ower’s Corner
- Varirata National Park
Then off you go to Papua New Guinea’s Adventure Park, for some sightseeing and lunch. On the Adventure Park, venture inside more and see the gorgeous National Orchid Garden. Not only can you witness magnificent flora, but also wildlife from birds to bats.
From there, you can have an hour ride to Ower’s Corner, the beginning or end of the Kokoda Trail. It’s a very popular trail to pass through and you can trek it from 4 to 12 days. After that, you’re going back but will stop at Varirata National Park first. Check out the view and the various species of birds there.
Evening
- Royal Papua Yacht Club
In the evening, spend your time strolling at the docks of the Royal Papua Yacht Club. Check out restaurants nearby and end your day with a full stomach!
If you need a taxi ride: check out PNG Shalom TOURS Taxis.
Suggested Tour: Full day Port Moresby and Sogeri Plateau
Day 2: Papua New Guinea Itinerary
- Koiari Bush Village
- Port Moresby Nature Park
To know be more immersed in Papua New Guinea’s culture, check out a local village in the middle of the Jungle. You will be on an adventure as you have a bumpy ride, a boat ride and a hike to the Koiari Bush Village. You will meet locals, see their houses and talk to them. It’s going to be a memorable experience.
View this post on Instagram
After your tour there, you can go to Port Moresby Nature Park. It has natural flora and fauna of the country and various species of birds. It’s peaceful and you can reflect what you did for the day.
Suggested Tour: Full day Sogeri Jungle Village Trip
Day 3: Papua New Guinea Itinerary
- Loloata Private Island Resort
View this post on Instagram
Have a day trip and enjoy the waters and marine life of Papua New Guinea in Loloata Private Island Resort. Note that it has no walk-in policy there, so you need to book at least 24 hours before you arrive. You can ride a boat to the Lion Island and snorkel to see gorgeous corals and fishes. After that, enjoy the spa and the restaurants in the resort. The last ferry departs at 9 PM, so you’ll enjoy the whole day there!
Suggested Tour: Loloata Island Day Passes
Find accommodation in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Where to Stay in Papua New Guinea
Where to stay in Papua New Guinea if you want Luxury
PRICE: Rooms starts at USD 155
Hilton Port Moresby is a modern hotel with a fusion of PNG’s history and culture. The rooms are spacious with stunning views. They also have a restaurant that serves PNG Local Cuisine. I personally recommend this. Check out my experience with them in this article.
Where to stay in Papua New Guinea for Comfort Travelers
PRICE: Rooms starts at USD 100
Raintree Lodge is only 15 minutes away from Port Moresby’s city center. This relaxing place has a restaurant on its premises. The rooms are very spacious with garden views, TV, and air condition. Free airport transfers are available.
Where to stay in Papua New Guinea if you’re on a Budget
PRICE: Single Rooms starts at USD 38
Waigani Heights Haven is a bed and breakfast in Port Moresby with friendly hosts. You can check-in and check-out at 8:00 – 10:00 AM. Airport transfers are available. There is also free Wi-Fi and Parking in the area.
List of Restaurants that you can try while in Papua New Guinea
Mumu Restaurant
Enjoy a unique dining experience as you have dinner in Mumu. They practice traditional style cooking on Papua New Guinea. You should definitely bring friends as their serving are big and tasty.
Located in the Royal Papua Yacht Club, Macdhui Restaurants provides Pacific Island Cuisines. They serve lunch, dinner, and buffet breakfast on Sundays. You’ll surely enjoy a great view, too!
Eat delicious burgers, buffalo wings and many more in Buffalo Burger. The meat is processed by Meat Haus which under the same management. You’ll be in for a pleasant surprise!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the languages spoken in Papua New Guinea?
English, Hiri Motu, and Tok Pisin are the official languages of PNG. So no need to be nervous about going there since you can communicate easily.
2. What currency do they use?
Papua New Guinean Kina is used in PNG. It’s about 3.4 PGK to 1 USD.
3. Are credit cards accepted?
Yes, major credit cards are accepted. However, for those small restaurants or shops, it’s better to pay in cash.
4. Is it expensive in Papua New Guinea for tourists?
Papua New Guinea is a bit expensive compared to its neighbors like the Philippines or Indonesia. An inexpensive restaurant would cost about USD 10 while a mid-ranged one would be USD 20/25. Water is about USD1 and a taxi ride is approximately USD 6 for a kilometer.
5. Where to purchase Souvenirs?
You can support local goods at the craft market, villages, or malls.
6. When is the best time to visit Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea is a tropical country with warm temperatures; May to October has the most pleasant temperature. If you want to dive, April to June, and September to January have clearer and calmer waters.
7. Is it safe to travel to Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea is not one of the safest places to travel. However, it isn’t as dangerous as the media portrays. There are crimes in Port Moresby and Mt. Hagen, be always vigilant.
8. Should I get travel insurance before heading to Osaka?
I always recommend buying travel insurance when we go out of the country since we don’t know what will happen. You can check out SafetyWing.
9. Do I need a visa for Papua New Guinea?
For Philippine Passport Holders, it is a visa on arrival when you go to Papua New Guinea. For other nationalities, check out this visa-free guide! You can also get an e-Visa for PNG.
10. How to get to Papua New Guinea?
There is a direct flight from Manila, the Philippines to Papua New Guinea. Other options include Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan.
Papua New Guinea is not yet a top-rated destination to travel but a great place to learn about diverse cultures, meet indigenous locals and witness picturesque views. You’ll experience those in 3 days if you follow this Papua New Guinea Itinerary!
Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!
